How to Embrace the Joy of Maximalism at Home
The war between minimalism and maximalism isn’t new; it’s been going on for decades. In recent years, minimalism has gained popularity, particularly in conjunction with the rise of sustainability and conscious consumption. But, for some, the mindset of “less is more” comes across as cold and impersonal. Instead, they prefer the philosophy of maximalism, which advocates for “more is more,” and the liveliness that comes with this aesthetic.
So forget beige walls, matched cushions, and minimal fuss. Maximalist interior design is about self-expression with its riot of colours, curated chaos, and fearless layering.
What is Maximalism?
Maximalism is rooted in abundance. It’s about surrounding yourself with what you love and without compromise. Think gallery walls overflowing with frames, clashing patterns and colours that somehow work together, and sentimental objects covering every inch of your shelves.
This interior design style goes back centuries. For instance, Baroque and Rococo interiors are maximalist to their core. But today’s take has a more contemporary twist. It’s about personality and playfulness. It’s a rebellion against simplistic, Pinterest-perfect spaces.
There’s a common misconception that maximalist interiors are just about clutter and excess; an excuse to be messy. But it isn’t! Modern maximalism is curated and thought about. There’s consideration behind every placed item. It’s an art that combines vintage with modern, colour with texture, and statement with subtle.
Why Bother with Maximalism?
The world’s a serious and scary place, especially nowadays with the constant horrors on the daily news. So why not make your home a space of joy? Your home is a place for you to escape the world, to hide inside and unwind for a while.
Maximalism allows complete creative freedom. It’s an opportunity for you to express who you are and there are no rules. You can do whatever you want without having to follow guidelines as long as it’s a reflection of you and it makes you happy. So if you love florals and band posters, hang them side by side. If you’re obsessed with emerald green and leopard print, put them together.
You can also boost your mood with colour psychology, which suggests that vibrant tones, like sunny yellows or energetic reds, can elevate mood and stimulate creativity. When you combine lively colours with your favourite mementoes, your home can immediately feel personal and full of joy.
And don’t forget that maximalism is forgiving! Unlike minimalist spaces that rely on clean lines and careful editing, maximalism embraces imperfection. Chipped frames, slightly scuffed floors, or fading paint show a house that’s lived in, loved, and full of character.
How to Incorporate Maximalism into Your Home
Start with What You Love: Maximalism is about self-expression, which means beginning with what makes you smile. Whether it’s books, family photos, collectables or anything that fills your heart with joy, build a space around them. Focus on what you’re emotionally drawn to and go from there.
Go Bold with Colour & Pattern: Ignore accent walls, maximalism encourages colour into everything. You can layer them strategically and with confidence. You want to create visual interest without following a trend. Don’t forget about wallpaper either! It’s maximalists’ best friend when paired with boldly upholstered furniture or patterned curtains.
Layer, Then Layer Some More: Texture is a key player in any interior design, but it’s especially powerful in maximalist homes. You can combine velvet with leather, boucle with silk, or wood with rattan to create depth and distinction. Rugs over rugs, throws on chairs, and cushions in every allow that coveted “collected over time” look.
Embrace the Gallery Wall: Art placement can be tricky in most aesthetics, minimalist ones in particular are the most strict. But in a maximalist home, these rules go out the window. You’re no longer limited to one piece per wall, instead, you can go wild. Think about mixing sizes and shapes with paintings, doodles, and posters. Your wall is a canvas for you to decorate and if it’s meaningful, then there’s a place for it.
Foundational Statements: Don’t forget about your floor, which plays a bigger role than most realise. You might want your floor to contribute to the style, like installing dramatic yet elegant Versailles parquet flooring tiles. Or you might want to use your flooring as a calmer feature to ground your curated chaos with simple light vinyl floor tiles.
Go Big at Home
Remember that maximalism may be wild but it’s never random. Intention is key. Maximalism allows for your home to grow organically with each item telling a story. It’s a celebration of personality, nostalgia, and joy. So let your space evolve with time, mix those patterns and stack those books. Let your home become a canvas and enjoy being the artist.
